PURBECK shoppers will be able to enjoy free parking in the Christmas run-up.

Purbeck District Council (PDC) and Wareham Town Council will be supporting traders on Small Business Saturday, on December 1, with free parking in the district and town council car parks at Bonnets Lane, Connegar Lane, Howards Lane, Streche Road, Wareham's Rempstone Centre and Corfe Castle's West Street.

The councils will waive parking charges in their Wareham car parks on Saturday 22, Sunday 23 and Christmas Eve.

Free parking will also be available in Corfe Castle West Street car park on Saturdays 8, 15 and 22 December.

Swanage Town Council will be providing parking for £1 per day at its Broad Road and Main Beach long stay car parks during December. Its North Beach car park is free to use from 1 November to 31 March.

Norden car park near Corfe Castle, and Dorset County Council-owned car parks at the Quay and St Johns Hill, Wareham are not included in the free parking offer.

PDC economy portfolio holder Cllr Cherry Brooks said: "The district of Purbeck is home to a super selection of independent shops and businesses, so why not take advantage of free parking and get something different for friends and family this year.

"Christmas is a crucial time for business and free parking helps us all support our local traders."